Industry giants announce leadership changes

There have been seismic shifts in the leadership space with Dementia Australia securing a major leadership coup after announcing the current Cancer Council Australia CEO will soon fill its top job. Meanwhile, Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia has brought in a former Liberal minister with three decades of experience in State and Federal parliament as its new independent chair.

Dementia Australia finds its new leader

Finding someone new to continue the legacy left by outgoing CEO Maree McCabe AM was never going to be an easy task for Dementia Australia. However, they have found an agile and experienced leader in Professor Tanya Buchanan.

• Professor Buchanan was appointed CEO of one of Australia’s largest charities, Cancer Council Australia, in 2020
• A former Registered Nurse, she has international executive experience as CEO of the United Kingdom-based charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand
• With experience in social justice, health policy, advocacy and Government lobbying, Professor Buchanan brings invaluable knowledge to Dementia Australia and the wider aged care sector

Ms McCabe led the organisation for 13 years, previously telling hello leaders it’s a role she has loved and appreciated every moment of. Today, she thanked everyone at Dementia Australia.

“I extend my profound appreciation to those I have had the privilege of working with, including people of all ages living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers, along with the amazing team at Dementia Australia, our supporters and my colleagues across the sector,” she said.

Dementia Australia Chair, Merran Kelsall AO, said it was incredibly important to have a new leader who could build on the achievements made by Ms McCabe with Professor Buchanan selected from a strong pool of outstanding applicants.

Professor Buchanan will join Dementia Australia in May. She has already highlighted raising awareness of early interventions as a focal point.

“I am thrilled to be joining Dementia Australia at such a significant time, which includes the ongoing aged care reforms, review of the Aged Care Act, the development of the National Dementia Action Plan and as the Federal Government is active in prevention initiatives,” Professor Buchanan said.

“I look forward to meeting key stakeholders and working with the team to continue to reduce the incidence and impact of dementia and to ensure every person affected by dementia has access to the best care and support possible so that we can improve outcomes for all Australians.”

COTA Australia unlocks fresh potential

In a surprise addition to the aged care landscape, COTA Australia has announced former Liberal minister Christopher Pyne as its new independent chair, replacing Jane Halton AO PSM. 

• Mr Pyne was first elected to parliament in 1993, representing the South Australian Division of Sturt for the Liberals
• He quickly became a key member of the John Howard Government, rising through the ranks to become Minister for Ageing in 2007, while he was a stalwart in Liberal governments from 2013-2019 across several portfolios as as Leader of the House
• Outside of politics, Mr Pyne has chaired several organisations, including Vision2020 Australia, Nioa, Australian Missile Corporation and Pyne and Partners

The appointment of Mr Pyne brings a new face to the modern aged care landscape with COTA Australia CEO Pat Sparrow looking forward to the next chapter for the organisation.

“His expertise is an asset that aligns seamlessly with our focus on championing the concerns of ageing individuals and older Australians nationwide. We believe that his leadership will further elevate our mission to create positive change and advocate for policies that enhance the lives of older Australians,” Ms Sparrow said.

Although Mr Pyne’s latter years consisted of other portfolios, the former Minister spent four years with a health and ageing focus for the Howard Government. He is now ready to again play a part in supporting older Australians. 

“There’s no doubt there are many challenges facing older Australians and, as the leading advocacy voice of older Australians, COTA Australia certainly has a big task ahead of it in the coming years,” he said.

“One of the major challenges we’re facing as a country is how we tackle ageism. Ageism is endemic in Australia and addressing it needs to be a key focus not just for COTA, but for governments, businesses and society broadly.”

Outgoing chair, Ms Halton, praised COTA Australia for their work over recent years, highlighting its influence in the review of retirement incomes and the Aged Care Royal Commission. 

“I am proud to have played a role in these areas which have such a critical impact on people’s lives,” Ms Halton said.